$1M in Jewelry, Gems Stolen from Antique Show in Illinois

A vendor reported more than $1 million worth of jewelry and gems stolen during a weekend antique show in Peoria, Ill., according to police.

The theft was reported Aug. 9 after the reopening of the Mid America Antique Show and Sale at Exposition Gardens in Peoria, the (Peoria) Journal Star reported. Authorities believe someone broke into the showroom between 6 p.m. Saturday when the show closed for the day and 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

One vendor, Lynda Weaver, reported five cases of jewelry missing, including gold, diamonds, rings, bracelets and necklaces, according to the police report. Another vendor’s property was moved into a bathroom, but nothing was missing.

Blue Goose Antiques co-owner Doug Jennings said vendors discovered the situation Sunday when they arrived to prepare for the show.

“All of a sudden, people noticed cases missing,” he said. “It’s a very sinking feeling.”

Someone may have entered the facility through an unlocked door to a men’s bathroom and then broke into a showroom, police said.

The police report says no security cameras recorded the incident. Vendors said they routinely lock their cases at night and cover them with cloth.